John Schmisseur

Associate Dean and Executive Director

Schmisseur is the Associate Dean and Executive Director at UTSI and a Professor of Aerospace Engineering. As director, Schmisseur sets the overall direction for the institute and serves as a direct connection to the dean of the Tickle College of Engineering in Knoxville. His goals include positioning UTSI as a regional hub for advanced technology, expanding the aerospace and defense industry presence in southern Tennessee, fostering workforce and economic development in the area, strengthening the ties between researchers and students in Tullahoma and Knoxville. Planned areas for expansion of research capabilities include aerospace propulsion, materials for aerospace and defense applications, and advanced optical instrumentation. His research interests center around hypersonics, aerospace engineering, and defense capabilities.

Michelle Carmack

Director of Finance and Administration

Michelle Carmack is the Director of Finance and Administration at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). In this role, she acts as the chief operating officer, collaborating closely with the Associate Dean/Executive Director to advance UTSI’s vision and ensure compliance with university policies. Michelle oversees fiscal, human resources, and operational strategies, aligning them with the institute’s growth objectives. She holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Middle Tennessee State University. With over a decade of experience in leadership, finance, budgeting, and human resources, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise to her role at UTSI.

Jerry Dahlberg

Senior Director of Research

Dahlberg is the Senior Director of Research for Space and Defense Programs at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) Huntsville Research Office.  As the associate director, Dahlberg is focused on developing key relationships between the university, federal agencies, and industry in Huntsville, Alabama. Additionally, he advises investigators on emerging research and engagement opportunities of strategic importance with key partners in the Huntsville region. His research interests include experimental aerodynamics, molecular hydrodynamics, and STEM education for veterans.

Dahlberg spent 20 years in the Army and retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2010. Dahlberg then earned his PhD, MS and BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Before joining UTSI, he served as an Associate Professor of Practice and Assistant Teaching Professor at The University of North Carolina where he was the College of Engineering Senior Design Chair. 

Lee Leonard

Director of Academic Programs

Lee Leonard serves as the Director of Academic Programs at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). Leading the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, he is responsible for student recruiting, admissions, and community outreach, ensuring that UTSI continues to attract top-tier talent and maintains strong engagement with external partners. Leonard develops and executes UTSI’s academic strategy to support institutional goals while ensuring all programs align with the broader objectives of the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT).

Leonard holds a PhD in biomedical engineering and an MS in materials science and engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a BS in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Technological University. Prior to this role, he served as a Research Associate Professor at UTSI, where he specialized in the development of advanced materials. He also served as a consultant for the UT Center for Industrial Services where he cultivated strategic institutional partnerships and supported Tennessee’s manufacturing industry.

John Woolston

Director of Infrastructure of Facilities

Woolston has over 35 years of experience in the facilities field. He spent 22 years in the U.S. Navy Seabees and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 2012.  He holds an MS in project management from Liberty University and a BBA from Walsh College of Business.  He is PMP and Agile Certified Professional certified through the Project Management Institute.  He has a diverse experience in facilities ranging from military facilities, K-12 education, college facilities, municipal facilities, and industrial manufacturing.